- Nancy Sinatra - These Boots Are Made For Walking
Nancy Sinatra delivers a killer track filled with confidence and conviction amid the thought that her man is being dishonest. Any man in his right mind would be concerned to learn that such a song was about him. From finding “a brand new box of matches” to “walk[ing] all over” someone, Sinatra makes it clear that she won’t just stand by and let herself be disrespected.
- Sara Bareilles - Love Song
Sara Bareilles’ “Love Song” is an absolute bop that covers the concept of the singer telling her significant other that she will not write them a love song just because they want one. Not only does it take away the beauty and value of a love song by asking, but when the S.O. threatens to leave her for it, she claims that the relationship isn’t worth keeping anyway. Not to mention that this song led to a very lively cover by Massachusetts based, melodic hardcore band Four Year Strong.
- Sløtface - Shave My Head
Norwegian punk group, Sløtface’s (Slutface’s) “Shave My Head” is a more modern jam that involves female autonomy and the refusal to rely on the support and approval of a boyfriend. The idea that the singer would rather build her “IKEA chairs with glasses of red wine” than him “explaining their design” emphasizes the notion that she is perfectly capable of surviving on her own.
- The Runaways - Cherry Bomb
Dropping back in time to an earlier, but not by far the earliest song included in this list, we have The Runaways’ “Cherry Bomb.” The track, performed by the all female punk outfit including Joan Jett and Lita Ford, certainly packs a powerful punch. The song itself is truly a cherry bomb.
- Bad Cop/Bad Cop - Womanarchist
Following closely in the femme-punk footsteps of The Runaways, Bad Cop/Bad Cop gun straight for the patriarchy with “Womanarchist.” The band cover multiple issues and ideas within the song, ultimately claiming that it’s the right of women to choose how to live their lives and accordingly, everyone else’s “fight to lose” when addressing them and their treatment. They express definitively that equality is not an option.
- Against Me! - Transgender Dysphoria Blues
One could argue as to whether or not this song should be included in a list such as this, since technically it tackles issues faced from being transgender. What is neglected in those arguments, however, is that it’s specifically written about being a trans-woman. Whether someone is assigned female at birth or not, they are no less female than anyone who was assigned it at birth. We nonetheless follow the experience of a woman being looked down upon on the basis of her gender. Not to mention that both types of conflicts sprout from a flawed gender system anyway. Also, while not necessarily anthemic, it’s a truly powerful song about failure to be accepted as a woman and fellow human being.
- Joan Jett and The Blackhearts - Bad Reputation
This track has been a staple of female empowerment for years. Making its way onto both the Shrek soundtrack, and more recently the entrance music for professional fighter and world renowned female icon, Ronda Rousey. I could go on but we covered it in class.
- Beyoncé - Run The World (Girls)
Once again I could go on about this track, but it’s one of the biggest hits of our time that fits this list. If you need a reminder as to who runs the world, give it a listen.
- The Interrupters - She Got Arrested
The Interrupters have been making waves in the ska scene as of late, with their most recent single “She’s Kerosene” dominating radio play among stations within the genre last summer. With “She Got Arrested,” lead singer Aimee Interrupter delivers a truly unapologetic song about a woman who gets convicted for murdering an abusive partner and would “do it again.”
- Aretha Franklin - RESPECT
Another piece covered in class earlier this semester. Aretha Franklin speaks for just about all women when she soulfully demands the respect that she deserves as both a human being, and a provider for herself and others.
I could go on forever with this list. While each song certainly deserves its own bio/introduction, I would never be able to publish this to the class because I would never complete it. New songs are written every day, and there are countless options already in store. Here are several extras that I hope if you haven’t heard before, you will certainly give a try now.
The Eurythmics feat. Aretha Franklin - Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves
Donna Summer - She Works Hard For The Money
Lily Allen - Hard Out There
Christina Aguilera - Can’t Hold Us Down
No Doubt - Just A Girl
Fifth Harmony - BO$$
Little Mix - Salute
Jenny Lewis - Just One of The Guys
Bikini Kill - Rebel Girl
Kelly Clarkson - Miss Independent
Again there are many, many more songs that deserve to be here. Feel free to comment any ones that stick out to you as songs that were missed.
U.N.I.T.Y by Queen Latifah is one that you should check out! That song would fit in perfectly on this list!
ReplyDeleteLove Song was one of my absolute favorite songs, so much so that I sang it for a talent show with a couple of my friends. Up until a year ago I thought it was a song rebelling against a man, but I found it so much more impactful when learning it was a rebellion against a company making quite the sexist assumptions about what a woman musician is "supposed" to write about.
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